The forehand drive is the base for all forehand top spin strokes including the forehand loop. That’s why it is the introductory lesson for phase two of our Free Beginner to Intermediate Table Tennis Lesson Plan. This tutorial will cover the body mechanics, paddle angle, stroke trajectory, ball contact point and timing. There will be some drills at the end to help you utilize the forehand drive in real game situations.

Understanding the Forehand Drive

The forehand drive is a light top spin, powerful, and nearly flat shot used to redirect the ball with speed and accuracy.  It's typically used to return a topspin ball or a flat hit and allows you to dictate the pace of the game

Stance

Basic table tennis stance is discussed in detail during phase one of our program

Position to Table

To learn the basic forehand drive, stand an arm's length away from the table and position yourself to the forehand corner keeping mind to not stand completely outside of the sideline of the table

Technique

Backswing:

As the ball is about to bounce on your side of the table, rotate your shoulders and hips very slightly back from the ball.

Keeping your elbow about a fist's width away from the body let your arm loosely swing back (do not drop your hand downward). Keep the bat angle “nearly” horizontal, but slightly angled forward to allow a direct contact with the ball that will impart a light topspin

Forward Swing:

As the ball approaches, push your right foot into the ground and allow your hips and shoulders to rotate forward to a neutral front-facing position. Ultimately your weight should slightly shift over to your left foot

Your paddle trajectory should be forward into the ball as your arm naturally and loosely turns forward with your shoulders

Contact Point:

Hit the ball at the height of its bounce, ensuring the racket face is very slightly angled forward (about 70 degrees) to add topspin

Your wrist should be relaxed but firm at the moment of contact. When driving you should hear the ball engaging the wood with a light cracking sound

Follow-through:

Continue the swing forward. It should look as if you grabbed a glass on your side and are putting it up to your mouth to drink. Stop your arm before it crosses the front-center of your body. Stay loose and prepare for the next ball by beginning your backswing quickly to repeat the process

Practice Drills

Shadow Practice:

Without a ball, practice the motion of the forehand drive. Focus on your stance, grip, and follow-through in front of a mirror

Basic Drill:

Stand opposite a partner and both of you focus on hitting consistently with good form at a slow to moderate pace. Only pick up the speed when you can both continually hit diagonally across the table to each other without messing up.

Movement Drill:

Have a coach or partner block to your forehand and middle. You use small lateral shuffle steps to move into position to forehand drive back to the blocker. You are moving but the blocker is blocking from a static point on the table

Match Play:

Integrate your forehand drive into practice matches. Focus on using it strategically against your opponent's shots and try to place it to different areas of the table

Common Mistakes

• Using Way too Much Force: Focus on technique over power. A well-executed shot often beats raw strength. The ball should hit into your paddle, and you guide it forward. You should not be hitting the ball forward with brute force

• Forgetting Footwork: Always be ready to move. Don't reach for the ball. Proper footwork is essential for effective striking wherever the ball may land. Watch where the opponent is directing the ball and let your feet and stroke glide to its intended path

• Racket Angle: Ensure your racket angle is correct at contact. Most people open up the angle too high or close it too forward. The paddle angle is only very slightly angled forward to assert a small amount of topspin while allowing for a thick contact at the same time

A good forehand drive takes time to develop but you will thank yourself after realizing that it develops high level feeling for the ball and is the base movement for more advanced strokes

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